Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris. Jiachen Liu.
Hi Kris. Jiachen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
This is Kris Jiachen Liu, a multidisciplinary professional who combines roles as a designer, event producer, branding consultant, and artist. The journey has been shaped by my architectural background and my passion for breaking creative boundaries. My path began with my studies at Pratt Institute and Columbia University, where I developed a unique perspective on design. What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly blend these diverse disciplines, creating cohesive, immersive experiences that push the boundaries of conventional design.
At the core of my work is UnderKurrent, my design brand that pushes the boundaries between architecture, fashion, and jewelry. Ninetynight, initially a standalone jewelry brand, is now fully integrated into UnderKurrent, allowing me to merge my architectural thinking with fashion and wearable art. Through UnderKurrent, I challenge traditional design by incorporating architectural aesthetics into my pieces, making each one not only a fashion statement but also a conceptual artwork. The evolution of UnderKurrent has also extended into spatial and set design, bringing my vision to life in physical spaces—turning environments into artistic statements that align with my design philosophy.
In addition to my work as a designer, I co-founded SonderLoom Agency, a branding agency focused on brand incubation. We work closely with global fashion brands to help them establish and expand their presence in international markets. At SonderLoom, we provide strategic branding services, guiding emerging designers through the complexities of market positioning, digital strategies, and creative direction. We also partner with art and fashion platforms like Heavenscape and Notyetart, merging the worlds of fashion, art, and branding to create impactful, immersive experiences for both designers and their audiences. This work has given me invaluable insight into the business side of design while allowing me to retain my artistic integrity in each project.
Most recently, I served as the production manager for the 2025 February New York Fashion Week, overseeing the Symphony of Style multi-brand runway show hosted by NotYetArt. The show blended fashion, art, and music, providing a unique platform for designers from around the world. The show featured a dynamic mix of runway presentations, including a 3D digital art experience and multi – brand popup showcases. The event attracted top fashion buyers, international media, and influencers, becoming a key highlight of NYFW FW25 and sparking conversations around the innovative intersection of fashion and digital art. In my role,I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the event, from on-site coordination to runway planning, logistics, and ensuring seamless execution. This role allowed me to refine my event production skills, navigate high-pressure situations, and further explore the intersection of creativity and operational efficiency.This opportunity allowed me to further hone my event production skills while contributing to an innovative and immersive experience that bridged multiple art forms in the fashion industry.
What I’m most proud of in my career is how I’ve been able to merge creativity with strategy, always looking for ways to connect diverse creative fields—whether it’s through designing wearable art, curating an immersive experience, or developing strategic branding for emerging designers. I’m driven by the belief that design should not only be beautiful but also meaningful, challenging perceptions and pushing creative boundaries in every project I take on. My work spans across industries, from architecture to fashion, digital art, and branding, allowing me to bring a unique perspective to every project and collaboration.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am today has indeed been a winding one, marked by challenges that forced me to stretch my capacities beyond the realm of design. Transitioning from a purely creative field like architecture to working across multiple disciplines opened up a world of complexities. With the shift came a deeper consideration of commercial factors—financials, budgets, profit margins, and the often-overlooked mechanics of managing a business. I had to learn how to juggle these practicalities while still honoring my artistic vision. Suddenly, I found myself navigating a landscape that demanded not only creativity but also strategic thinking, clear communication, and an understanding of client needs and expectations.
When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, one of the greatest challenges was managing a young, inexperienced team. We were essentially building as we went, learning to divide responsibilities, set clear lines of communication, and keep everything moving in harmony. With a small team, multitasking became a necessity, but it also led to inefficiencies and constant pressure. Coordinating with factories and clients to finalize samples added another layer of complexity, as the push for perfection often felt overwhelming.
I’ve always been someone who seeks perfection, which, in the early stages, added immense pressure. I wanted everything to be flawless from the outset. But I soon learned that the true value lies not in immediate perfection, but in the journey of adaptation and exploration. Plans will inevitably change, and flexibility became not just a skill but a mindset I had to cultivate.
External obstacles, like the pandemic, were undeniably challenging. Factory closures and lockdowns made production even more difficult, and the economic downturn shifted consumer behavior, reducing demand for luxury items. Remote communication with clients and competition from others further complicated matters. Yet, in facing these challenges, I discovered invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying grounded in my long-term goals.
As I expanded into branding and event production, the need to balance multiple roles intensified. Managing large-scale events like Fashion Week required quick thinking, organization, and the ability to maintain creative integrity while overseeing every detail. Each experience refined my ability to prioritize, adapt, and approach my work with focus and clarity. In the end, every challenge has shaped me, not just as a designer, but as someone who thrives amidst complexity and change.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a multidisciplinary professional, my work spans across multiple creative fields, from design to branding and event production. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently sought to push boundaries, blending architecture, fashion, jewelry design, and art to create immersive experiences that resonate deeply with both audiences and the fashion industry. Below are some of the key projects and collaborations that define my professional journey.
UnderKurrent
At the core of my creative work is UnderKurrent, a design brand I founded that pushes the limits between architecture, fashion, and jewelry. My vision for UnderKurrent is to create innovative pieces that blend architectural aesthetics with jewelry design, transforming each piece into a conceptual artwork.
Previously, Ninetynight, my standalone jewelry brand, has now been fully integrated into UnderKurrent. This transition allowed me to expand the brand’s vision, combining architectural thinking with wearable art. UnderKurrent now offers a more cohesive expression that blends architecture, fashion, and jewelry design into a unified creative vision, continuing to challenge traditional design and creating pieces that are not just fashion statements, but pieces of art.
One of the most exciting collaborations was with Naussica, where we designed a collection of jewelry that merged architectural principles with contemporary fashion. This partnership highlighted UnderKurrent’s ability to combine art with wearability, making the pieces both thought-provoking and accessible.
Additionally, I was invited to showcase my work at the 2024 Jim Thompson Farm Artist Exhibition in Thailand. For this exhibition, I designed an artist’s residence that combined my architectural background with traditional Thai art forms. This project was presented as a silk canvas, incorporating Thai painting styles into the design. It was not just a design project, but an artistic expression that merged architecture, culture, and art.
SonderLoom branding Agency
In addition to my work as a designer, I co-founded SonderLoom Agency, a branding agency dedicated to helping global fashion brands establish themselves in international markets. We specialize in brand incubation, focusing on creative direction, market positioning, and strategic branding.
At SonderLoom , we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with notable brands like HSUX, Boujee, Hooshout, and others. We’ve helped these brands expand their international reach by developing their brand strategies, overseeing photo shoots and lookbook creation, and coordinating pop-up events and fashion shows. One significant project was our collaboration with HSUX for their collection launch, where we worked on their branding, lookbook photography, and the pop-up event held during Fashion Week. This not only amplified the brand’s presence but also solidified its place in the competitive fashion market.
Our partnership with Notyetart and Heavensgatenyc further expanded our work in merging fashion and art. They are the key collaborators in bringing innovative art and fashion experiences to the forefront, helping us curate immersive pop-up events and artistic showcases.
Symphony of Style at NYFW
One of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved in was serving as the production manager for the 2025 February New York Fashion Week, where I oversaw the Symphony of Style multi-brand runway show hosted by NotyetArt at Industry City, Brooklyn. This groundbreaking event combined fashion, art, and music, offering a platform for global designers to showcase their work.
The show featured a dynamic mix of brands, including APBAH_EC, FayWeaver, ZEMETA, Lntano Xin, HONGSHAN, KIKI PENG, and HSUX, along with a stunning jewelry presentation by OutsiderArtist and a fashion-forward nail art showcase by Miss Sunshine. In addition to the runway presentations, the show included a 3D digital art experience by Wang Yun, highlighting the innovative intersection of fashion, digital art, and technology. As the production manager, I was responsible for coordinating all aspects of the show, including runway planning, logistics, on-site coordination, and ensuring the seamless execution of the event. This was a pivotal opportunity to refine my event production skills, navigating high-pressure situations while delivering a memorable, innovative event.
In all my work, I strive to break traditional boundaries, blending creativity with strategy across various disciplines. Whether through UnderKurrent, my jewelry collaborations, or my role in SonderLoom Agency, I’ve focused on creating immersive, innovative experiences that resonate with audiences and elevate brands. My involvement in global projects, like the Symphony of Style fashion show and the Jim Thompson Farm Artist Exhibition, showcases my commitment to merging art, fashion, and design in meaningful ways. Each project I take on is an opportunity to push the limits of conventional design and create something truly unique, whether it’s wearable art, branding, or event production. My work spans multiple industries, and it’s the intersection of these diverse fields that drives me to continue exploring, creating, and challenging the norms of design.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is the sense of wonder and curiosity I felt every time my family went on a trip. Whether it was a short weekend getaway or a longer journey, I was always fascinated by the little things around me—the details of a place, the people, and the way different environments made me feel. I remember how my eyes would wander, taking in the colors, sounds, and rhythms of the streets, the buildings, and the spaces we explored. I wasn’t just looking at things—I was absorbing them, trying to understand the stories they held and how they made people interact with the world.
I think what truly sparked my love for observing was the way people connected with their surroundings. Whether it was a crowded market where everyone moved together in a quiet, rhythmic flow, or a quiet corner where people sat and shared stories, I was drawn to how space could create a sense of belonging or distance. I recall visiting a traditional teahouse, where the noise of conversation and clinking teacups created a lively, warm atmosphere, making it a place for both connection and relaxation. Similarly, wandering through narrow alleyways in an old district, I noticed how the intimacy of small tailor shops fostered conversation and community. These moments taught me that environments influence how we interact with each other and feel in a space.
Another aspect of my childhood that stands out is the time spent with family, particularly those quiet moments when we’d all be together, sharing simple joys. I remember sitting in a rustic family-style restaurant by a mountain stream, where the peaceful natural surroundings helped everyone unwind and connect with one another. It was these simple yet meaningful experiences that taught me the power of design to bring people closer, both physically and emotionally.
These early experiences instilled in me a deep curiosity about how environments shape human behavior and interactions. They sparked my passion for exploring how design can influence and reflect the way we connect with each other and the world around us. Today, my work is driven by the same curiosity—how can I create spaces and designs that encourage connection, foster emotion, and tell stories through their presence?
Contact Info:
Image Credits
@enriquemattiacci
@xiaohhan_chang
@sips.of.sole
@nausicaa_nyc
@underkurrent_ny
@notyetart
@agenxin
@jimthompsonfarm